The COVID-19 pandemic and the accelerated shift toward remote work have had a radical impact on the workforce as most young workers in the U.S. prefer on-site working structures, according to a new global study conducted by BSI.
The study, developed in partnership with the thinktank ResPublica, comprised a survey of 4,700 people globally who started work during or since the pandemic, a series of focus groups, and an independent literature review. The research, part of BSI’s Evolving Together series, provides crucial insight into how this new generation of workers, who entered the workforce between 2019 and 2025, have been shaped by these unique circumstances and how this is likely to continue to impact them and shape the future of work.
On-site working structures are the most popular in the U.S.; 49% stated it as a preference compared to just 27% globally. Nearly a third (30%) prefer a hybrid working structure, and just 21% said they prefer to be fully remote. In fact, nearly half (40%) of remote U.S. employees said they would not consider taking another position if it was fully remote, and over a third (38%) of hybrid employees would seek to leave their current company if the structure was changed to fully remote. Additionally, 65% said they find their job easier on-site, and even more (66%) feel they are more efficient.
While the study shows a clear preference for in-person opportunities, it highlights certain stipulations and reservations; notably 58% of remote employees and 51% of those in hybrid structures would seek a new job if their company announced it was requiring employees to be in the office full-time. Almost two-thirds (65%) of respondents believe jobs requiring a full on-site presence should be paid more, and more (68%) felt employers should offer flexible options like core hours, where employees are only required to be in during specific times, or options like condensed or part-time schedules.
The report found that this cohort values and respects a balance work-life more than previous generations as the top professional motivator for them was work-life balance (51%), increasing to 60% for on-site workers, followed by job stability (45%) and financial incentives (38%).
The study suggests a preference for on-site and hybrid working structures may contribute to this balance; 54% of hybrid employees—and an even higher percentage of those who work remotely—said they are less likely to work outside of contracted hours when in the office.
The top consideration (51%) influencing hybrid workers to move to a fully on-site role was the length of their commute.
Amidst global discussion of isolation and anxiety amongst Generation Z, the cohort recognize the value connections in the workplace can have. Over a third (37%) report that their mental health was negatively affected by remote work during the pandemic, but almost three fifths (56%) say their mental health is enhanced by a hybrid structure. More than one in five (24%) said social anxiety would impact their decision to take on a new fully on-site role. This jumps to one in three (32%) for those who categorize their first two years of work as a negative experience.
However, nearly three-quarters (74%) made friends at work, more than half (56%) have found a mentor and engage in social activities with colleagues at the end of the workday.
Additionally, over half (52%) said they prefer in-person meetings over virtual ones, even as 46% admit they feel more confident when conducted remotely, and (56%) believe all companies should have “anchor days” where the full team should be in the office together, further highlighting the drive to form connections with and learn from colleagues.
“This generation has had the curtain pulled back on what work is and what it can offer them. Our survey paints a picture of a highly pragmatic cohort,” says Kate Field, global head, human and social sustainability at BSI. “They value balance, moderation, and consistency, and are thoughtful when it comes to prioritizing their own health and well-being. Alongside the unique circumstances of the pandemic, they are also facing longer working lives and higher living costs, so it is perhaps no surprise that sustainable careers that serve their lives are a priority.”
